see or understand with difficulty
It was so foggy that I could barely make out the road ahead.
make out — 3 meanings
Same words, different jobs. Compare the meanings side by side so you know which one fits the situation.
phrasal verb3 meanings
make outsame phrase
Which one do you mean?
claim or pretend
He made out that he was sick, but I think he just wanted a day off.
progress romantically
They were making out behind the gym after the party.
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Meanings in detail
1. see or understand with difficulty
B1neutralboth
To see, hear, or understand something or someone with difficulty, often because it is unclear or far away.
It was so foggy that I could barely make out the road ahead.
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Sign in to unlock2. claim or pretend
B2neutralboth
To say or pretend that something is true, often when it is not.
He made out that he was sick, but I think he just wanted a day off.
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Sign in to unlock3. progress romantically
C1informalspoken
To kiss and touch someone in a sexual or romantic way, often as a precursor to further intimacy.
They were making out behind the gym after the party.
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